Little India, Jalan Besar and Farrer Park
As places become more fashionable, and are mentioned in forums, websites like this and in offices and restaurants across the nation, there is one cast iron consequence – prices rocket. See Tiong Bahru for the perfect example. The key – especially in an island the size of Singapore, is to spot the new trends, the new places that are going to be the places to live in 5 years’ time. And then you need to strike while the iron is hot and the prices are still reasonable. Three areas that could very well fit into that category, all within a stone’s throw of each other are Little India, Jalan Besar and Farrer Park.
Little India
Strolling along Serangoon Road and the myriad of other crowded streets in this buzzing, bustling district it is easy to forget just how close you are to the “city proper”. Little India really does make you feel that you’ve travelled to a different country, even continent. Your senses are bombarded with a wonderful array of colours, smells and sounds, and any one of the abundant restaurants offer some of the best – and best value food on the island, which is praise indeed for a country with Singapore’s fine reputation for dining.
It is also home to the legendary and mesmerising Mustafa Centre, Singapore’s only 24 hour mall where you can literally buy anything you could possibly want. No longer a place merely for day trippers, more and more people are opting for something different and Little India certainly provides that, with affordable properties and excellent transport links.
Jalan Besar
Being labelled the “new Tiong Bahru” is bound to cause a stir, and Jalan Besar is revelling in its label as the hippest place in Singapore. It has long had a reputation for good food, but it is turning its slightly grungy, sleazy reputation around, with an influx of fashionable international cafes and restaurants, and new trendy bars. Recently two new art galleries have moved into the area, enhancing an artistic charm to the Jalan Besar heritage trail.
Away from the arts, the area has long had a reputation for being the traditional hub for sports on the island, and it is still home to the Singapore Lions football team, who play at the Jalan Besar Stadium. One thing that has traditionally kept the area off the beaten path was the lack of MRT. This changed with the opening of nearby Rochor station in 2015, and when its own station opens next year in 2017 the relatively low prices in the area are likely to be a thing of the past.
Farrer Park
Often overlooked in favour of its neighbour Little India, Farrer Park has a lot to offer. It is certainly a district to watch out for, and is ideal for those wanting a more relaxed location, that is still in easy walking distance to the throng of Little India and Jalan Basar.
Over a century and a half ago, Farrer Park was home to Singapore’s Race Course, and the area still offers several options for those looking for some exercise – it has its own aquatic and tennis centres for example. For the foodies, there are plenty of tasty and good value eateries, serving up everything from locally farmed vegetables to some of the best noodles on the island.
Looking for new launch condo nearby? Do take a look at Sturdee Residences, Forte Suites and Cityscape
Below are some new launches that are in the City Fringe
Singapore Condos in the city
New Launches in the west
